Council approves contract for Conerstone repairs

By Al Dozier

After a long discussion, the Irmo Council agreed to a contract with Lindler Construction of South Carolina for $228,814 to make infrastructure repairs at the Conerstone Subdivision but questions were raised about who will address future needs of a retention pond at the site.

There appeared to be a consensus among council members that property owners at the site would be responsible for any future problems. But Councilman Barry Walker Sr. expressed concern that the town of Irmo might have to shell out a lot more money if the pond is found to be unsafe in the future.

The town committed to the infrastructure improvements to clear the way for Richland County to do road improvements at the site.

In other action the council agreed to a resolution outlining decorum at council meetings that sometimes get rowdy.

The resolution outlines rules of decorum designed to make council exchanges less acrimonious.

They include: do not speak without being recognized; do not interrupt speakers without proper reasons; do not carry on private conversations during meetings; do not make political speeches. do not argue with the presiding officer.

“All we want to do is respect each other,” said Councilwoman Kathy Condom.

Condom was opposed to one measure in the resolution that said council members cannot make “frivolous motions” because the definition of “frivolous” may be difficult to determine.

In other action, a motion to award a contract to Triple H Buildings in the amount of $21,005 to replace the town hall’s front porch post and railings failed to win approval after concerns were raised that the town received only one bid on the project.

The council agreed to a budget amendment in the amount of $151,826 to fund a State Department of Public Safety DUI grant, The grant is fully reimbursable according to town staff.

The council also gave first reading approval to an ordinance amendment that provides for “buffering” measures to maintain community appearance in new development areas.

The council approved a proclamation to “End Childhood Hunger in South Carolina.”

The council also agreed to a request from Walker to observe October as “National Cyber Bullying Prevention Awareness Month” by directing Town Administrator Bob Brown to receive any complaints of harassment of private citizens during the upcoming town elections and forward them to the police department.

“We should respect our women and honor our military veterans and encourage others to do the same,” Walker said.

The council approved a request from Young’s AME Church, located next to the Community Park of Irmo, to use the town park and gazebo for church events when it is available. In exchange, the church has agreed to provide the town with its own parking spaces for park event use when available.

During the public comment period, Irmo resident Gloria Jordan voiced several complaints including: putting ordinances on the agenda without informing citizens; approving a new ordinance that poses problems for handicapped people; and a council member describing Irmo neighborhoods as “slummy.”